The Space Between Us: Negotiating Gender and National Identities in Conflict [Paperback]

Cynthia Cockburn (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 185649618X | ISBN-13: 978-1856496186 | Publication Date: February 15, 1999

Even in places of deadly national enmity, some very ordinary people are routinely doing peace. In this highly original study, Cynthia Cockburn deepens our understanding of the processes sustaining conflict in Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine and Bosnia/Hercegovina by means of a close involvement with three remarkable women's projects that have chosen co-operation. How, she asks, do they fill the dangerous space between them with words instead of bullets? How do they make democracy out of difference? The book brings fresh insight to theories of the self in relation to collective identities and of gender in nationalist thought and practice. Observing in words and photographs how these women's alliances create a safe space in which to work together, we learn more about the dangers of essentialism and the problematic relationship between identity and democracy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Filled with photos, this is another important book from the folks at Zed." --Feminist Bookstore News

About the Author

Cynthia Cockburn is Research Professor in the Department of Sociology, City University, London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zed Books (February 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185649618X
• ISBN-13: 978-1856496186
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #813,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful and inspiration account..., October 31, 2001

By 

Sara Pane (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Space Between Us: Negotiating Gender and National Identities in Conflict (Hardcover)

This sensitively researched account of how everyday women in conflict affected societies work to effect positive peace, remains one of my favourite books on this topic. It presents three case studies drawing from women's experiences in Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine and Bosinia/Hercegovina. These case studies are important because they form part of a small (but growing) body of literature that portrays women's particular views on both war and peace. Also it presents cross-cultural perspectives- Cockburn does not fall into the trap of conflating these women's experiences and views into one "feminine" experience/voice. Instead, under the theme of "women and peace", the author explores the diversity and commonality which forms these women's approaches to peace in societies that often do not include women in formal peace processes. For anyone interested in the efforts of civil society to effect peace and social justice, or anyone with an interest in women's roles in war and peace, this is an excellent book.